Our bodies need to be in balance--neither too acidic nor too alkaline. Foods can be classified by the residue they leave behind in the human body; when food is metabolized it leaves either an acid or an alkaline ash behind, affecting our body's tissues and fluids. When the human body becomes too acidic, it is called acidosis; when it becomes too alkaline it is called alkalosis. Neither extreme is good.
pH
pH is the number that tells us how acidic or alkaline (base) something is; more specifically, it is the measurement of hydrogen ions present in a substance. Every food item has the potential to tip the balance of our body's normal pH in either an acid or base direction. A neutral pH is 7 (water has a pH of 7). The body works overtime to keep human blood at a pH of 7.35 to 7.45 (slightly alkaline). Foods that leave an acidic residue in the body have pH values below 7, while those with leave behind an alkaline ash have a pH above 7.
Acidic Foods
The most acidic foods for the human body are meat, fish, poultry, eggs, grains and legumes. Although the majority of vegetables have an alkaline affect on the body, a few acidic vegetables are corn, olives and winter squash. Most fruits are alkaline but the few acidic ones are blueberries, canned/glazed fruits, cranberries, currants, plums and prunes. In addition, fats, white sugars, white pastas and white flours are all acidic for the body. Almost all cooked foods will leave some acidic residue behind in the body.
Alkaline Foods
Except for those listed above, fruits and vegetables are all alkaline-forming foods. In addition, almonds, chestnuts, fermented tofu and tempeh, millet, whey protein powder, seeds, spices and seasonings are all alkaline. Some foods, like citrus fruits, have an acid pH before they are consumed and but leave an alkaline residue in the body after they have been metabolized.
Neutral Foods
There are a very few foods that are considered neutral, although experts do not necessarily agree. Cold-processed oils, organic butter, and natural sweeteners like stevia, agave or honey. An acidic/alkaline food list can provide a detailed list of acidic/alkaline/neutral foods.
Balance
It is important to eat a diet that contains both acidic and alkaline foods. Striving for a balance of 80% alkaline foods and 20% acidic foods is ideal. Thus, including fruits and vegetables as the majority of each meal helps maintain that balance. Also, testing the pH of your body fluids with a pH test kit can help you find out the internal pH balance of your body.
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